scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
2
: conducted in the manner of science or according to results of investigation by science : practicing or using thorough or systematic methods
scientific advertising
scientific baby care
a scientific boxer
scientifically adverb

Examples of scientific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 On March 12, Nickels tweeted a notice of a scientific conference in Washington at which Peter Daszak, the head of a research funding organization who has long been the target of vituperation by lab-leak advocates, would appear on a panel. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Hong Kong is expanding the term to include information relating to the economic and social development of the city, as well as major policy decisions and scientific technology, mirroring mainland China’s language on state secrets. TIME, 19 Mar. 2024 To be clear, Fortune’s list of rising stars is not based on any scientific data—these are subjective exercises by their nature. Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 That’s a reference to the government, scientific community and military working together in secret to build the atomic bomb. Susan Shelley, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2024 This statement is in direct conflict with the scientific consensus of physicists, climatologists and other experts globally, whose research has determined a prompt and substantial reduction in fossil fuel use is non-negotiable for preserving a habitable planet. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024 The Michigan United Conservation Clubs, with its 40,000 members, said the decision to justify a shorter season was made without scientific evidence. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024 The team plans to publish the work in a scientific journal, but the research hasn’t yet undergone peer review. Katie Hunt, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scientific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French sientifique, scientifique, borrowed from Medieval Latin scientificus "producing knowledge, relating to knowledge" (translating Greek epistēmonikós), from Latin scientia "knowledge, science" + -ficus -fic

Note: The Medieval Latin transition in sense from "producing knowledge" to "relating to knowledge" (in the text of a translation of Aristotle's Posterior Analytics) is described in detail in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near scientific

Cite this Entry

“Scientific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science
scientifically adverb

Medical Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
scientifically adverb

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